If high energy prices have stopped you from investing in a tumble dryer, or you only use it occasionally to freshen up your towels – you’re not alone. With the current cost of living, many Mumsnet users have stuck to racing to and from their rotary washing line between rain showers or using a heated clothes airer to keep on top of their laundry pile.
The good news is, today's best energy efficient tumble dryers are more affordable than you'd think, plus they'll help cut your energy bills in the long run. Heat pump tumble dryers use up to a massive 60% less energy than traditional vented or condenser appliances. Many modern appliances also include innovative features to save you time and energy, such as accurate sensors that automatically adapt the cycle based on the contents.
Best energy-efficient tumble dryers, at a glance:
Best energy-efficient tumble dryer overall: SAMSUNG Series 9 AI Energy DV90T8240SH/S1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £829
Best energy-efficient budget tumble dryer: Beko BM3T3944W 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £449
Best energy-efficient integrated tumble dryer: BEKO Pro DTIKP71131W Integrated 7 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £479
Best energy-efficient freestanding tumble dryer: AEG 9000 AbsoluteCare TR959M6BC WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £1,149
Best energy-efficient 10kg tumble dryer: LG Dual Dry™ FDV1110W Wifi Connected 10Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £1,099
Best energy-efficient quiet tumble dryer: MIELE EcoSpeed TWL780WP WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £1,649
To bring you our pick of the best, we tapped into the tried and tested verdicts of Mumsnet users, seeking their views on energy-efficient tumble dryers they’ve used in their own homes and would happily recommend to others. By combining their views with consumer reviews and the views of industry experts, we’re confident we’ve found the best energy-efficient tumble dryers for every budget and household.
If you're still unsure about which type of tumble dryer is best for you, take a look at our guides to the best condenser tumble dryers and the best vented tumble dryers.
1
Best energy-efficient tumble dryer overall
SAMSUNG Series 9 AI Energy DV90T8240SH/S1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Buy now from Samsung Buy now from Currys
What we like
QuickDry 35 programme
Smart technology
Sensors that adjust drying time to save energy
Airwash setting for freshening up shirts and school uniform
What we don't like
Audible finishing song
Key specs
Price on writing: £829 | Type: Heat pump | Capacity: 9kg | Size: H85.0 x W60.0 x D60.0cm | Energy rating: A+++ | Energy usage: Full load: 1.54 kWh - Half load: 0.89 kWh | Annual energy consumption: 194 kWh | Noise level: 62dB
What Mumsnet users say
Mumsnet writer Lucy Cotterill · Tried & Tested
Changed my life! Super energy efficient so I don’t need to worry about the impact on energy bills. Love the mixed load programme and quick dry programme for smaller loads, while the Airwash setting is perfect for refreshing school uniforms. Some may find the ‘viral’ song at the end a little annoying, but I love jamming around my kitchen when the cycle comes to an end. You can probably turn them off but seriously, why would you?
See Post
Our verdict
With an impressive triple-A energy rating, this Samsung Series 9 heat pump tumble dryer is packed with innovative features – producing excellent drying results without hiking up your energy bills.
With a high capacity 9kg drum and large porthole door, busy parents will love the Quick Dry 35 programme for smaller loads. The MixedDry programme removes the stress of sorting the laundry basket, while the air wash programme quickly uses heated air to sanitise and deodorise your clothes – ideal when unpacking your summer wardrobe from vacuum storage bags.
We love the smart features of this appliance, including the ability to schedule cycles from the comfort of your mobile phone using the Samsung SmartThings app. Not able to empty it straight away? Fear not - the wrinkle-prevent feature rotates the drum without heat once the cycle has finished to prevent clothes from getting creased or crumpled.
While some reviewers found the end-of-cycle music frustrating, they can be turned off in the settings. The easy-to-control panel is simple to use, learning your most frequently used settings so you can select your favourite cycles fast.
Read next: Best washing machines
2
Best budget energy-efficient tumble dryer
Beko BM3T3944W 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Buy now from Currys Buy now from Boots Kitchen Appliances
What we like
Budget-friendly price
Consistent drying results
Auto cooling feature
Delay timer
Automatic anti-creasing function
What we don't like
Overall build quality could be better
Key specs
Price on writing: £449 | Capacity: 9kg | Size: H84.6 x W59.8 x D67.2cm | Rated efficiency: A+++ | Energy usage: Full load: 1.61 kWh - Half load: 0.88 kWh | Annual energy consumption: 194.4 kWh | Noise level: 63dB
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
If you’re looking for an energy-efficient tumble dryer but are on a more limited budget, the Beko BM3T3822W Heat Pump tumble dryer is worth considering. A brand trusted by Mumsnet users for offering excellent value for money, this appliance has a wide range of features to save both time and money.
While some reviewers felt the overall build quality could be better, this tumble dryer couldn’t be easier to use, with a generous capacity and interior light that ensures no socks are left behind in the drum. The cool blast at the end of each cycle means your clothes are cool enough to be removed straight away. The anti-crease functionality makes a great addition if you can’t – rotating the drum to reduce the need for ironing.
There are a generous 15 programmes to choose from on this heat pump tumble dryer, including a convenient mixed load, a hygiene refresh cycle to remove bacteria and an Xpress short cycle – perfect for the days when you’re short on time. While some of the cycle times may seem long, Beko’s accurate drying sensors save energy and prevent overdrying, stopping automatically once your clothes are dry.
Related: The best steam irons for crease-free clothes
3
Best integrated energy-efficient tumble dryer
BEKO Pro DTIKP71131W Integrated 7 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Argos Buy now from Currys
What we like
Sits seamlessly behind kitchen counters
Interior light
Sensors adjust load automatically
Anti creasing function rotates once the cycle has finished
What we don't like
Some reviewers questioned the overall build quality
Smaller capacity may be less suited to large households
Key specs
Price on writing: £479 | Capacity: 7kg | Size: 50.8 x 59.7 x 84.6cm | Rated efficiency: A++ | Energy usage: 1.72 kWh | Annual energy consumption: 211.4 kWh | Noise level: 63dB
What Mumsnet users say
BertieBotts · Recommended I have a Beko heat pump dryer and it takes about 90 mins to dry a full load. 30 mins for a single item. They are great. See PostOur verdict
While you’ll find fewer choices when looking for integrated energy-efficient tumble dryers, this affordable Beko Pro appliance is a popular choice, sitting discreetly behind your cupboard doors for a seamless, modern look in your kitchen.
The 7kg drum is sufficient for most small-medium households, with a bright interior light that provides great visibility of the contents.
We love the wide selection of programmes including a mixed load, Baby Protect hygiene cycle and Express short cycle for smaller loads. The drying sensors also work well, stopping the cycle automatically once the contents are dry – protecting your clothes and saving energy as a result.
Just like the freestanding tumble dryers above, the anti-creasing function prevents your clothes from getting crumpled if you’re unable to empty the grum straight away. This Beko also has an intelligent reverse action – regularly switching the drum's direction to prevent clothes from balling up or tangling together.
Read next: Best washer dryers
4
Best freestanding energy-efficient tumble dryer
AEG 9000 AbsoluteCare TR959M6BC WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Buy now from AEG Buy now from Currys
What we like
Accurate sensors to save time and energy
Smart capabilities via the AEG Care app
Woolmark certified (no shrinkage guaranteed)
Mix Dry programme with no sorting required
Interior light
Delay start
Easy iron programme
What we don't like
Significant price tag
Key specs
Price on writing: £1,149 | Capacity: 9kg | Size: 85.0 x 59.6 x 63.8cm | Rated efficiency: A+++ | Energy usage: Full load: 1.68 kWh - Half load: 0.86 kWh | Annual energy consumption: 195 kWh | Noise level: 63dB
What Mumsnet users say
Cookiedoughthesecond · Recommended I’ve got a heat pump series 9000 AEG. I checked Which and it came out on top of their reviews so bought it when it was on a deal. See PostOur verdict
While its price tag is a little on the eye-watering side, you get what you pay for with this feature-rich AEG heat pump. Mumsnet users, reviewers and even consumer champion Which? speak highly of this Best Buy AEG appliance, thanks to its large capacity, low running volumes and consistent drying results.
To save both time and energy, this appliance boasts super accurate 3DScan technology, assessing the humidity level of each item inside the drum to prevent overdrying, minimise energy use and ensure even drying. As a result, compared to other heat pump appliances, many reviewers found cycle times were shorter than expected.
We love the Mix Dry programme for fuss-free drying without needing to sort fabrics beforehand, as well as the Down Jackets setting, which ensures even drying and keeps the inside of your coats soft and fluffy. With woolmark certification, you can dry your favourite woolly jumpers with peace of mind, as there’s no shrinkage guaranteed.
As well as a simple-to-use dashboard and delay timer to plan around your schedule, youcan easily personalise your settings and control your programmes from your mobile using the smart AEG Care app.
Related: Best steam generator irons
5
Best 10kg energy efficient tumble dryer
LG Dual Dry™ FDV1110W Wifi Connected 10Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Buy now from Currys Buy now from Boots Kitchen Appliances
What we like
Large capacity suitable for families
Quiet Mark certified
Accurate drying sensors
Anti-allergy cycle approved by British Allergy Foundation
Smart capabilities
What we don't like
Costly
Key specs
Price on writing: £1,099 | Capacity: 10kg | Size: 85.0 x 60.0 x 69.0cm | Rated efficiency: A+++ | Energy usage: 1.78 kWh | Annual energy consumption: 210 kWh | Noise level: 62dB
What Mumsnet users say
Our verdict
If you’re a larger household and seem to be forever running to and from your washing machine, a high-capacity tumble dryer is an absolute must, helping you use your appliance less regularly by drying larger loads.
With a substantial drum and large tempered glass door, this 10kg LG Dual Dry Heat Pump tumble dryer is a great choice for families. As well as keeping on top of your family's laundry pile like school uniforms and PE kits, it’s large enough to accommodate bulkier items like jackets and duvets. The Anti-Allergy Cycle is also a big plus point for those with sensitive skin, removing bacteria and allergens for the most hygienic results.
Quiet Mark certified this appliance runs with whisper-quiet volume – so it won’t disturb the peace if it's running once the kids are in bed. Best of all – with an easy to empty water tank and an LG's Auto Cleaning Condenser, maintenance is simple and stress-free.
Related: Best integrated washing machines
6
Best energy-efficient quiet tumble dryer
MIELE EcoSpeed TWL780WP WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Buy now from MIELE Buy now from Currys
What we like
Quiet Mark certified
FragranceDos2 leaves your laundry smelling fresh
Accurate sensor drying
HygeineDry cycle removes 99.99% of bacteria
Tested over the equivalent of 20 years of use
What we don't like
Costly
Key specs
Price on writing: £1,649 | Capacity: 9kg | Size: 85.0 x 59.6 x 60.0 cm | Rated efficiency: A+++ | Energy usage: Full load: 1.55 kWh - Half load: 0.84 kWh | Annual energy consumption: 185 kWh | Noise level: 64dB
What Mumsnet users say
lmcneil003 · Recommended We went for a £1300 Miele one which has been great so far. Low leccy bills too. See PostOur verdict
If you’ve got an open-plan kitchen, chances are low running volumes are likely to be high up on your wishlist when looking for an energy-efficient tumble dryer. Quiet Mark appliances are a great place to start, recognised as high-performing, low-noise appliances that won’t disturb the peace when you’re working from home.
Miele appliances don’t come cheap, but tested over the equivalent of 20 years of use, they’re praised by Mumsnet users and reviewers for their performance and longevity, making a wise investment over time.
This model is no exception, with a SilenceDrum design, reducing vibrations to minimise any unwelcome whirring in the background. Triple-A rated, this tumble dryer also boasts plenty of energy-saving features, including accurate sensors and PerfectDry technology, adjusting the duration automatically to suit each load.
We love how you can navigate through the settings using the smart Miele@Home app, scheduling or starting the appliance from the sofa at the end of a busy day.
Our favourite features? As well as EcoSpeed for fast drying in a hurry, the SteamFinish produces a blast of hot air to reduce creases while protecting your fabrics. Thanks to the FragrenceDos boost, your clothes will always come out smelling fresh and clean, making snuggling under new bed sheets feel like an absolute dream.
Read next: Best integrated washer dryers
What’s the most energy-efficient type of tumble dryer to buy?
You may have noticed that all of our top energy-efficient tumble dryers are heat pumps, and with good reason. Heat pump tumble dryers are the most energy efficient to run, running at lower temperatures and recycling heat generated during the cycle rather than expelling it into its surroundings.
Do energy-efficient appliances make a difference to your bills?
Heat pump tumble dryers tend to cost more initially than condenser models and while cycles can take a little longer, they use up to 60% less energy – with the potential to make a big dent in your energy bills.
Are energy-efficient tumble dryers good for the environment?
Any energy-efficient appliance can take steps to reduce your household's carbon footprint, which ultimately is better for the environment. To reduce your carbon footprint further, you may find you use your tumble dryer less in the summer months, opting to dry your clothes outdoors where possible.
What’s the best energy-efficient tumble dryer to buy?
With a triple A energy rating, large capacity and accurate sensors to reduce cycle times, the SAMSUNG Series 9 AI Energy DV90T8240SH/S1 WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is our top pick for the best energy-efficient tumble dryer you can buy today. We love the Air Dry feature that can quickly freshen up clothing between wears.
How we chose the best energy-efficient tumble dryers
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
To begin our search for the best energy-efficient tumble dryer, we turned to the Mumsnet forums to draw on the wealth of experience from our 10 million Mumsnetters. We know that laundry is a popular topic, so we sought out recommendations for heat pump tumble dryers that Mumsnet users rated highly and would happily recommend to others. We also looked for any negative reviews, where Mumsnet users highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced, took an eternity to dry or dried unevenly. That way, we could exclude these from our list.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We always want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning or well-regarded products, including any recommended by consumer champions such as Which?.
Verified customer reviews
Finally, we thoroughly investigated genuine customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, AO.com and Currys to get a comprehensive picture of consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Celebrated Tumble Dryers
Using our triple-check vetting process has allowed us to guarantee that every tumble dryer on this list has earned its right to be there, creating a guide to the best tumble dryers that is honest, balanced and up-to-date.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Lucy loves scrutinising kitchen appliances and has written several SwearBy posts about laundry management, including the best heat pump tumble dryers and best quiet washing machines. She also owns and rates our top choice Samsung and can be found regularly dancing around her kitchen to the end-cycle tunes.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.